The Evangelical University of Dresden (ehs) is a state-recognised foundation university with a strong practical orientation in the fields of Social Work, Education and Childhood Development, Nursing, as well as Evangelical Religious and Community Education. It combines current research with an evangelical profile and places particular emphasis on value-oriented, socially and educationally relevant teaching and research.

The university stands out for its small study groups, personal interaction between teachers and students, as well as practice-oriented research. Insights from research directly inform teaching and are also shared in the context of further education and training. The ehs promotes interdisciplinary discussions, reflective methodological training, and ethical discourse, aiming to empower students to act responsibly and based on sound scientific principles.

As an open university, the ehs supports lifelong learning and offers not only full-time but also part-time courses. International partnerships, especially with universities in Eastern and Western Europe, foster exchange and the integration of international students and teachers.

The university actively supports equal opportunities, family-friendliness, and campaigns against discrimination and xenophobia. It endorses initiatives such as "Open-minded Universities - Against Xenophobia" and is part of the Alliance against Racism. The ehs advocates for human rights and an inclusive society.

Established in 1991 by a foundation comprising of church and state sponsors, the university was created to reshape education in Social Work and Diaconia after reunification. The foundation of university operations is a contract between the foundation, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Saxony, and the Free State of Saxony. In 2020, the study offering was expanded to include Religious and Community Education through the integration of the Evangelical University Moritzburg.

The ehs sees itself as a societal actor with a responsibility for social justice, intercultural dialogue, and democratic values. It nurtures diverse partnerships and provides space for personal development, dialogue, and co-creation within the university.

Research at the ehs is closely linked to teaching. It serves to gain insights into social realities and to further develop professional practice. Study programmes incorporate integrated research components, and in research workshops, students, teachers, and professionals collaborate on current issues.